Bus terminuses across Chennai present a grim picture of government neglect. Broken floors, dirty toilets, and poor illumination plague these facilities. Many lack essential CCTV cameras for security. This widespread apathy has prompted the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority to take decisive action.
Private Players to Manage Key Terminuses
The CMDA will rope in private players to operate and maintain Metropolitan Transport Corporation bus terminuses. This move aims to address long-standing maintenance issues. The authority has already constructed terminuses in several key locations.
Terminuses Under the New Plan
CMDA built bus terminuses in Thiru Vi Ka Nagar, Periyar Nagar, Ambattur, Mullai Nagar, and Kannadasan Nagar. It has called for tenders to appoint concessionaires for three of these terminuses. Tenders are also floated for the remaining two locations.
Officials explained the strategy behind these developments. The terminals at Mahakavi Bharathi Nagar in Mullai Nagar and Kaviyarasu Kannadasan Nagar serve a dual purpose. They ease congestion and upgrade neighborhood-level bus infrastructure.
Project Details and Concession Terms
Projects will be awarded on a three-year concession basis. This period is extendable by another five years. The Mahakavi Bharathi Nagar bus stand cost 7.25 crore rupees. It occupies 0.76 acres with a built-up area of about 33,120 square feet.
This terminal can accommodate four buses simultaneously. Facilities include two retail shops and a food court. An ATM, feeding room, and toilets are also available. Passengers can use a monthly pass counter and administrative offices.
CMDA officials expect the terminal to become operational shortly. They emphasize the need for a professional agency to handle day-to-day operations and upkeep. The Kaviyarasu Kannadasan Nagar bus stand represents a larger investment at 13.4 crore rupees.
It covers 1.31 acres with a built-up area of about 57,050 square feet. This facility includes five shops and dedicated ticket counters. Toilets and various passenger amenities complete the setup.
Public-Private Partnership Model
The selected concessionaire will operate under a PPP model. Their responsibilities cover operation and maintenance of the terminals. This includes periodic civil and mechanical maintenance. Cleanliness, security, and facility management also fall under their purview.
In return, operators can earn revenue through specific channels. Parking fees, retail leases, and digital advertisements are permitted. However, platform or visitor fees will not be allowed under this arrangement.
Official Perspectives on the Initiative
G Prakash, CMDA member-secretary, clarified the broader objective. He stated this effort brings professional management practices into public transport facilities. The authority has obtained necessary NOC from the transport department.
M Somasundaram, a member of a voluntary consumer organisation for MTC, acknowledged some improvement in maintenance. He stressed the importance of consistency in these efforts. The new partnership model aims to ensure sustained quality.
This initiative marks a significant shift in how Chennai manages its public transport infrastructure. By involving private expertise, authorities hope to transform dilapidated terminuses into well-maintained hubs. Commuters await tangible improvements in their daily travel experience.
